20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

19. Hiromu Takahashi

Tetsuya Naito
NJPW

Though his prominence clearly diminished towards the middle of the year, Hiromu Takahashi became a major player in New Japan Pro Wrestling's Junior Heavyweight division in 2017.

'The Ticking Time Bomb' started with a wild fight versus KUSHIDA at Wrestle Kingdom 11, then excelled in blitzkrieg singles matches with the likes of Ricochet and Dragon Lee, before slipping down the card in favour of Will Ospreay, and Marty Scurll. Fortunately, he returned to the title hunt at WK12, and will now challenge for Will Ospreay's IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on February 10th.

A victory should re-establish himself as the division's ace - a role he's more than capable of filling. Hiromu is a captivating performer. Charisma, presence, and star power seep from his every pore, and his gimmick as a childlike lunatic slowly losing touch with sanity stands out in NJPW's vast sea of talent. His ring work is Takahashi's strongest suit, though. The man performs with no regard for his own safety, transforming every bout into an adrenaline-fuelled violence party, with his uncontrollable, frenzied assaults elevating many a clash from good to great.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.